Sport

Di Maria edges closer to Paris St Germain move

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed Angel di Maria did not report for the club's preseason tour in the United States  
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed Angel di Maria did not report for the club's preseason tour in the United States   Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed Angel di Maria did not report for the club's preseason tour in the United States   (Martin Rickett/PA)

ANGEL DI MARIA failed to board his flight to the United States and therefore did not join Manchester United's pre-season tour party on Saturday, Louis van Gaal has revealed.

Di Maria, subject of serious interest from Paris St Germain, was due to meet up with his United team-mates in San Jose on Saturday. But the British record signing did not catch his plane to California, which will fuel speculation his move to PSG is moving closer.

"No," the United manager said when asked if Di Maria had flown to San Jose.

"I have heard he is not on the plane. I cannot say anything. He was not on the plane."

United have refused to comment on reports in France that they have agreed to sell the Argentina winger to the Parisian club for €65 million. But the unsettled 27-year-old was not in the US for Saturday's 3-1 win over Barcelona in Santa Clara and neither was Marcos Rojo, who had been also been given extended leave following the Copa America.

The only person who reported for duty who was supposed to was Javier Hernandez, who was playing for Mexico in the Gold Cup.

"Marcos Rojo was also not on the plane. He had passport issues," Van Gaal added.

"That I do know. But forDi Maria I do not know why. Javier Hernandez is here."